Honoring Our Heroes: A Tradition of Service, Community, and Respect

Our events are dedicated to honoring and supporting our Military, Veterans, and First Responders—the courageous individuals who have given their best for our country. With a commitment to listening, learning, and continuous improvement, we strive to treat everyone with dignity, honor, and respect. For over 40 years, we’ve built strong, lasting relationships, always looking for ways to make them even better. At the core of these events is a spirit of community and the American values upon which our nation was built. We’re proud to carry this tradition forward, giving our best in return to those who have given theirs.

Tune in for the Broadcast of Leon’s Obstacle Course Race on Veteran’s Day!

Catch the excitement as Leon’s Obstacle Course Race honors our heroes with a special broadcast on Veterans Day, airing on Monday, November 11, at 10:00 PM (or immediately following the Bulls vs. Cavaliers game). Watch on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), formerly NBC Sports Chicago.

Where to Watch:

DirecTV: CH 665 & DirecTV Stream
ATT U-Verse: CH 1741 (HD) or CH 741 (SD)

Don’t miss this powerful tribute, broadcast from the National Park of the Indiana Dunes.

Leon’s News

Stay updated with the latest happenings in the world of triathlons and beyond! Our news section brings you the most recent updates, inspiring stories, and important announcements. From race results and athlete highlights to community events and charitable causes, find out what’s making waves in the triathlon community and how you can get involved. Don’t miss a beat—check back often to stay in the loop!

Read the Latest News

Here at Leon’s Triathlon, it is important to us to have value pricing.

We do all we can to maintain both the high standards you are accustomed to, while making the price affordable. Register for the 2025 Triathlon now and SAVE! Kick off your triathlon season with America’s race and end it with the iconic Chicago Triathlon—both legendary events since the early 1980s. America’s race, ideal for first-time triathletes, features a calm swim in Hammond’s Wolf Lake (approx. 69°F), with an optional swim buoy wave for extra reassurance. The seamless transition area leads to a smooth, traffic-free bike course on a gold star memorial highway, followed by a flat, scenic run around the lake lined with over 1,000 American flags. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, the race honors our heroes in a moving opening ceremony, inspiring military participants, and a patriotic finish line. Experience the pride of America’s race—register for Leon’s Triathlon today!

Swim

The Swim Course is held in Hammond’s Wolf Lake, allowing athletes to compete in open water without worrying about any possible waves or currents.

Bike

The Bike Course is a newly paved traffic free bike course on a gold star memorial highway, giving athletes the opportunity to focus on fast bike splits.

Run

We save the best for last with a super flat and breathtaking Run Course around the lake.

Canine Events

Leon’s Heroes

Leon’s Heroes is an organization that is a new branch of Leon’s Triathlon. Leon’s Heroes aims to promote patriotism and honor the U.S. Military, Veterans, First Responders and Law Enforcement.

Leon’s Heroes are the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our nation and constitution. We aim to create a feel of patriotism anywhere we go.

Donate to Leon's Heroes

Check out our latest video from Leon’s Triathlon 2024, famously known as America’s Race!

From start to finish, this year’s event was filled with incredible moments, inspiring athletes, and unforgettable memories. Whether you participated, volunteered, or cheered from the sidelines, this video is for you!

🎥 Watch now and relive the excitement of Leon’s Triathlon 2024! Let’s celebrate the spirit of perseverance and community that makes this race so special.

We are excited to announce that we are expecting a UH-60 static display.

Leon’s Heroes Coins

From the shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana to the prestigious finish line, our journey embodies dignity, honor, and respect. Crafted with pride at the Burns Harbor location, this unique medal is made in America, sourced from Cleveland-Cliffs steel, and meticulously transported to a fabrication shop. From there, the metals embark on a journey to their final destination: one of the most patriotic finish lines on American soil, Leon’s Triathlon. Join us to experience the old-school work ethic and patriotism that defines America’s race.

House of Representatives Recognizes Leon’s Heroes

Industrial Athlete Championship

As we seek to honor our American Industrial Athletes, Leon’s has joined forces with Helmets to Hardhats and IKOCC (Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters) to create a special, one-of-a-kind event. We are humbled and honored to also team up with all the North American building trades. The Industrial Athlete Championship will be a component of America’s Race.

Learn More

Thank You, Polyform US

We are grateful for the support from Polyform US for their A7 buoys. The A Series is the product that launched the Polyform story. This all-purpose buoy, with the signature “blue ropehold” has proven itself in the most adverse conditions. Making gear used in heavy seas is no easy task. That’s why more fishermen use Polyform A Series than all other buoys combined. You name it — ocean, sea, river or lake — and the A Series has been there. Put your trust in Polyform’s most versatile and well-known product.

Learn More

National Documentary Broadcast

We are so humbled and excited to announce the premier broadcast of “Leon’s Heroes Obstacle Course Race.” This 30 minute, national documentary about America’s Race will give you a glimpse into the work we do to honor our military, veterans, and first responders.

Our Sponsors

Race With Us

Leon’s Heroes Triathlon

Leon’s Triathlon and Dare2tri- a Partnership for Injured Veterans

Dare2tri is committed to providing resources and paratriathlon training services to injured service members and veterans with physical disabilities and visual impairments. Dare2tri’s goal is to empower injured service members and veterans through active participation in sport, recreation, competition, and the greater community.

Dare2tri is proud to partner with Leon’s Triathlon to offer an official Dare2tri Race2Raise Team. When you join Dare2tri Race2Raise you get to achieve your own health and wellness goals and support Dare2tri athletes, many of whom are injured military, in achieving their goals. Dare2tri transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by helping them get active through the sport of triathlon.

Set a goal, challenge yourself and while doing so, you make a difference in the lives of injured veterans so they too can set and reach goals. Race alongside these amazing men and women and support one another on the journey to the finish line!

More Info

Get Involved in America’s Race

Make a difference!

Volunteer

Help make a difference in the life of a Veteran- volunteer for Leon’s Triathlon!

Learn More

Compete

Enter the 2025 Race!

Presented By

Testimonials For America’s Race

“I've raced in Marathons all over the United States in my racing chair, biked in competitions in Ohio and Michigan and swam short distance at wheelchair Games. Being able to compete in Leon's Triathlon fulfilled my bucket list to put all those events together in one competition. There is no other way to express how proud and happy I was to be able to train with fellow veterans at the Dare2tri Military Camp, then go on to complete an OPEN water swim, I was scared to even think about, then bike and push to a cheering crowd then to say - AWESOME. When I finished, my competition buddy's , Alisha, mom said "You are now a Triathlete "- I couldn't stop smiling and nodded in enthusiastic agreement.”
Holly Koester (veteran with Spinal Cord Injury)
“Leon’s triathlon was my first ever triathlon and after that I became addicted. The feeling I got crossing that finish line changed my life and my perspective. It was the start of a whole new chapter in my life. It started me on a path that has opened more doors than I thought possible. Just this year, I became the men’s wheelchair National Champion in paratriathlon. No matter where I go in my racing career I will always be out there at Leon’s Tri.”
Eric Fife (veteran, SCI)
“Racing at Leon’s tri is like a triathlon dream come true. Everything from the pre race events, the fast and flat course, running along the lake with hundreds of American flags and having Leon himself congratulate you as you cross the finish line. It’s a race I hope to go back to year and year!”
Melissa Stockwell (AK amputee, veteran, Purple Heart recipient, 2016 Paralympic Bronze Medalist)
“As an individual living with a physical disability, my amputation presents challenges and opportunities every day. In 2018, I met the Dare2tri family by chance at Leon’s Triathlon, my second tri ever. That day changed my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined! I was welcomed with open arms full of love, patience, and hospitality. Something that I have never witnessed before at any race or event. This is just the beginning of an amazing story and I am still in chapter one! I will forever be grateful to Dare2tri and my family. I’m always looking for new ways to give back to such an inspirational and loving community!”
Uriah Steffen (BK amputee, civilian)